Biological Efficacy of Ionizing Radiation Sources on 3D Organotypic Tissue Slices Assessed by Fluorescence Microscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Traditional cell-based radiobiological methods are inadequate for assessing the toxicity of ionizing radiation exposure in relation to the microstructure of the extracellular matrix. Organotypic tissue slices preserve the spatial organization observed in vivo, making the tissue easily accessible for visualization and staining. This study aims to explore the use of fluorescence microscopy of physiologically compatible 3D tissue cultures to assess the effects of ionizing radiation. METHODS: Organotypic tissue slices were obtained by vibratome, and their mechanical properties were studied. Slices were exposed by two ionizing radiation sources; electron beams (80 Gy and 4 Gy), and soft gamma irradiation (80 Gy and 4 Gy). Two tissue culture protocols were used: the standard (37°C), and hypothermic (30°C) conditions. A qualitative analysis of cell viability in organotypic tissue slices was performed using fluorescent dyes and standard laser confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Biological dosimetry is represented by differentially stained 200-µm thick organotypic tissue sections related to living and dead cells and cell metabolic activity. CONCLUSION: Our results underscore the ability of fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy to rapidly assess the radiobiological effects of ionizing radiation in vitro on 3D organotypic tissue slices.

Review of the genus Prosciara Frey (Diptera, Sciaridae) from China.

The genus Prosciara from China is reviewed and 36 species are recognized. Among them, 16 new species, P. oligotricha sp. nov., P. gyracantha sp. nov., P. hemicrypta sp. nov., P. angusta sp. nov., P. euryacantha sp. nov., P. ellipsoidea sp. nov., P. paucispina sp. nov., P. myriacantha sp. nov., P. columellata sp. nov., P. fossulata sp. nov., P. ternidigitata sp. nov., P. globoidea sp. nov., P. longispina sp. nov., P. extumida sp. nov., P. sinensis sp. nov. and P. tetracantha sp. nov. and 16 species, P. falcicula Vilkamaa & Hippa, P. latilingula Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. duplicidens Vilkamaa & Hippa, P. scopulifera Vilkamaa & Hippa, P. megachaeta Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. pentadactyla Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. pollex Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. crassidens Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. producta (Tuomikoski), P. exsecta Vilkamaa & Hippa, P. bisulcata Vilkamaa & Hippa, P. furcifera Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. latifurca Hippa & Vilkamaa, P. prolixa Vilkamaa & Hippa, P. triloba Hippa & Vilkamaa and P. decamera Hippa & Vilkamaa are reported for the first time from China. Manusciara Yang, Zhang & Yang, 1995 is recognized as a synonym of Prosciara, therefore, P. quadridigitata (Yang, Zhang & Yang, 1995) is a new combination. In addition, geographical distribution of 36 Chinese species are provided, as well as a key to all these Chinese species. This study raises the number of the species of Chinese Prosciara from three to 36.